Simulation and auralization of a concert hall’s inhomogeneous sound field using finite difference time-domain methods and wave field synthesis

Abstract

Auralization methods have been used for a long time to simulate the acoustics of a concert hall for different seat positions. The goal of the research project presented here is to apply the concept of auralization to a larger audience area that the listener can walk through to compare differences in acoustics for a wide range of seat positions. For this purpose, the low frequency acoustics of Rensselaer’s Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) Concert Hall are simulated using finite difference time-domain (FDTD) methods to create signals for a 128-channel wave field synthesis (WFS) system located at Rensselaer’s Collaborative Research Augmented Immersive Virtual Environment (CRAIVE) Laboratory. By allowing multiple subjects to dynamically experience the concert hall's acoustics at the same time, this research gains perspective on what is important for achieving objective accuracy and subjective plausibility in a simulation and auralization. Efforts are made to maintain efficiency of wave-based modeling, and methods for evaluating the final auralization are explored from both objective and perceptual standpoints.